Tia Sharp’s mum weeps as she visits shrine

Tia Sharp's mother wept outside her the house where Tia's body was found

Sobbing mum Natalie Sharp laid a white orchid, a teddy bear and a card at a shrine to the 12-year-old yesterday afternoon

Sobbing mum Natalie Sharp laid a white orchid, a teddy bear and a card at a shrine to the 12-year-old yesterday afternoon.

Her note read: “Our baby girl, we love you very much and always will. Sorry baby that this has happened, I wish I was there to protect you.

“We know you are safe now and you are at home with us everywhere we go. Love you, mum, dad, Jack and Harry. XXX”

Natalie, 30, had to be supported and led away by her boyfriend, David Niles, 29.

Her tributes added to hundreds of candles, cards and flowers outside the home of Tia’s grandmother, Christine Sharp. Dad Steven Carter, 30, also visited yesterday with his father, who is also called Stephen.

Laying a yellow rose, he said: “I am devastated. I will never get to see my little girl again. I will never be able to hold her and kiss her.”

He spoke of his torment at finding out he had been so close to his daughter’s body during the hunt for Tia.

He said: “When I was outside that house, I was probably only feet away from her body. It is heart-breaking.”

Stuart Hazell, 37, partner of Tia’s grandmother, was charged early yesterday with the schoolgirl’s murder.

He will appear via videolink at Camberwell Green magistrates this morning.

Tia’s gran, Christine Sharp, 46, was bailed by police yesterday following her arrest on suspicion of murder.

Neighbour Paul Meehan, 39, who was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender, has also been released.

Those who helped search for Tia expressed shock at her body going undiscovered for so long.

Leaving a teddy bear, Janette Dixon, 52, said: “The whole community was out searching for her but she was in that house all the time. It is unbelievable.”